Buttons

Leave a bone for ButtonsBirthday:February 12th 1984Arrival Story:Buttons (a cockapoo/terrier mix) was a victorious cancer survivor on all natural remedies after being given a prognosis of 6 weeks to live at the age of 8. Eleven years later, exactly 1 week shy of her 19th birthday, she died peacefully of old age, in her mom's arms. That was in 2003, but her amazing story doesn't end there. Please see our diary for more ...Forums Motto:11-year cancer survivorThe Last Forum I Posted In:I'm gonna be in Bark Magazine!!!! ;}

IT'S MORE THAN A BOOK...IT'S A MISSION!

Thank you dogster pals, for making us feel so welcome here already!
Because many of you have shown interest, we wanted to include the preface from
our book, The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, for dogster members only! ;-))
I hope this gives you a better feel for what we're all about.
This book was published in April of '08 and is available through all online booksellers
More info. at our website: www.TheHealingArtOfPetParenthood.com
PLEASE bark it from the rooftops and tell EVERYONE you know!!!
Wishing each of you, and your families, vibrant health! Nadine & Buttons

PREFACE
When my “adopted daughter,” an eleven-year cancer survivor on all natural remedies, died in my arms the week before her nineteenth birthday, some people treated me as if I had just lost an easily replaceable houseplant. Why? Because her stalwart, humorous, and loving spirit, which inspired and impelled my own emotional healing, happened to reside in a canine body.

In my search for comfort and camaraderie throughout the grieving process, I found no pet-loss books that fully addressed the depth of my pain or the spiritual companionship and telepathic communication that my dog, Buttons and I shared. What I did find was a poll conducted by Purina concluding that forty-seven million people in the U.S. consider their pets to be their children or family members. It was reassuring to know I was not alone in my experience.

Buttons was much more than a beloved pet for two decades. She was the soul who helped me open and heal my heart, which for much of my adult life, and most of my childhood, had been bolted shut and shattered.

In writing this, one of my intentions is to lovingly and truthfully embrace all aspects of the unique grief associated with losing a four-legged family member. But I also hope to speak to anyone who has lost someone dear to them, regardless of species. Perhaps if we could all be a little more comfortable with one another’s grieving, we could move through it a bit easier. It is, after all, a natural reflection of how deeply we love the soul who has passed, and, I believe, not such a private matter, one to be hidden or gotten over as quickly as possible.

Hopefully, in the telling, I am also able to shine some light on the often closeted and frequently belittled bond many people have with their animals, so that those who have not experienced it personally are left with a greater understanding and empathy. Of course, as with any memoir, the writing process will inevitably lead me to a place of clarity and compassion about my own patterns and blind spots as well.

One of my favorite Oprah quotes is: “You have taken your pain and turned it into power. You have taken your pain and used it to empower someone else.” My greatest hope is to accomplish that here.

This then, is a narrative about healing cancer naturally, holistic pet care, hope and hopelessness, and spiritual connection after death. It is the odyssey of two resilient beings as they travel a rocky road into vibrant health and joy. It is my story, but it is only one version of a story shared by at least forty-seven million other pet parents.

• DO YOU FEEL MISUNDERSTOOD by others when it comes to how deeply you cherish your pet?

• ARE YOU EMBARRASSED to reveal how much you miss an animal that has passed away?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE — HELP IS HERE

Journey with Nadine M. Rosin into the emotional healing and self-awareness she develops over nineteen years through the unconditional love of her dog, Buttons. Join them as they explore the world of holistic pet care to successfully heal canine cancer. Experience how Nadine copes with grief and loss, and ultimately discovers a continued spiritual connection with Buttons after death. This is her story. It is only one version of a story shared by millions of pet parents.

ENDORSEMENTS:

"The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood is an enchanting love story, a meditation, and a guide to self-completion. Enriching and entertaining, lyrical and insightful, it is a joy to read. You will give it as a gift to many people, with complete confidence that it will be cherished."
— Hugh Prather/Author of The New York Times best seller, Notes to Myself

"The deeply compelling The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood is a timeless testament to the paradigm of Oneness. It shows that love knows no bounds and Spirit is bigger than form. When the student is ready the teacher will appear, sometimes camouflaged as a four-legged companion."
— Rev. Deborah L. Johnson/Author of The Sacred Yes and Your Deepest Intent

"In this beautifully written story, The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, Rosin steps into a deeper order of reality where love and consciousness are eternally present. This story awakens in the reader the potential sacredness and creativity in all relationships, including those with the animal world. I cannot think of a more timely message than this for our world today."
— Betty J. Kovács, PhD/Author of The Miracle of Death